Nusuk Offers 100 Free Umrah Trips for Two. RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s official Nusuk platform has introduced a competition offering Muslims the opportunity to win free Umrah trips to Makkah and Madinah. The Nusuk Challenge 2026 began on November 1 and features 100 Umrah travel places, along with additional Zamzam water prizes. The competition allows selected winners to bring one companion of their choice, making it possible to share the pilgrimage with a parent, spouse, relative or friend. Published reports indicate that the 100 places cover approximately 50 winners and their 50 companions, rather than 100 winners each bringing an additional guest. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download The Brew News app now – click here What Does the Free Umrah Package Include?
According to published competition details, the prize covers Umrah visa arrangements, return flights, transportation and 10 nights of accommodation in Makkah and Madinah. The campaign also offers Zamzam water prizes, with reports mentioning 10,000 cartons for distribution. Nusuk Offers 100 Free Umrah Trips for Two. Indian Pavilion reconnects expat families through books. Abdul El-Sayed becomes first Muslim US senator. MICHIGAN: Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigan’s US Senate election, defeating Republican Mike Rogers and becoming the first Muslim elected to the Senate in American history. The Associated Press called the race following Tuesday’s midterm elections, confirming a historic milestone for Muslim representation in US politics. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download The Brew News app now – click here The 42-year-old former public health official secured the seat held by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters.
His victory allows Democrats to retain Michigan’s Senate seat and strengthens the party’s progressive wing. Healthcare and economic issues shape campaign El-Sayed, the son of Egyptian immigrants, built his campaign around healthcare affordability, economic inequality and reducing corporate influence in politics. The former Detroit health director entered national politics during Michigan’s 2018 gubernatorial election. Historic win reshapes political representation Impact to Expect. NRI return to India: Check seven rules. DUBAI: An NRI return to India affects overseas finances, but residency tests differ.
In a conversation with The Brew News, Managing Editor Shaneer N Siddiqui asked Salam Pappinissery, CEO of Yab Legal Group and founder of Global Pravasi Association, seven key questions for the publication’s readers, particularly UAE expatriates planning to settle in India. The Brew News: Does moving home permanently change FEMA residency immediately, and how is that different from tax status?
Salam Pappinissery: RBI guidance considers returning for employment, business or indefinite settlement. However, a 2025 FEMA tribunal ruling emphasised the preceding-year requirement of more than 182 days, complicating certain transactions. Example: A November returnee should notify their bank and seek advice before restricted property purchases. The Brew News: How many days must a returning expatriate spend in India before becoming tax-resident?
Salam Pappinissery: Inform banks promptly. Impact to expect. Diwali 2026 UAE: Best Events, Festivals and Deals. DUBAI: Diwali 2026 celebrations across the UAE will bring cultural performances, dazzling light displays, festive shopping and traditional dining experiences. Dubai’s official Festival of Lights runs from November 2 to 12, while several shopping malls, communities and temples have announced their own programmes. Dubai’s Festival of Lights2–12 November | CitywideCultural performances, workshops, shopping offers and dining deals across Dubai. Khushiyon Se Bhari Diwali at BurJuman MallUntil 12 November | Free activities, 5–9pmWorkshops Monday–Thursday, musical baithaks on Fridays, a talent show on Saturdays and roaming entertainment on Sundays.
Dubai Holding community Diwali celebrationsAll events run 4–8pm unless stated otherwise. Activities include rangoli, lantern displays, cultural performances, treats and photo areas. AYA Universe Diwali2 November | 10am–10pm | Wafi City Mall, DubaiAn immersive Diwali experience. Sharjah Closes Beaches Amid UAE Tanker Oil Spill. SHARJAH: Sharjah has temporarily closed its city beaches as authorities step up precautions against marine pollution from an offshore tanker oil spill. The Sharjah Government Media Bureau announced the decision on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The closure aims to protect the coastline and prevent oil contamination from reaching public beaches. Specialised teams are monitoring coastal conditions and taking preventive measures to safeguard the marine environment. Authorities have urged residents, fishermen and beachgoers to follow official instructions and avoid restricted areas.
Sharjah Expands Beach Closure Precautions The latest announcement follows the temporary closure of Al Hamriyah Beach on October 23. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment said the spill had affected coastal waters and caused unusual fuel-like odours across Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. However, the ministry confirmed that the reported odours posed no health risk to residents. Impact to Expect. UAE Technology Awards 2026 : Nominations Open. Technology is changing how businesses operate, how people access services and how organisations solve everyday problems. Across the UAE, companies and professionals are applying artificial intelligence, automation, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics and digital platforms to improve products, services and customer experiences.
Behind these developments are technology professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs and organisations working to turn new ideas into practical solutions. If you have made a meaningful contribution to this field, the Technology and Innovation Award in UAE 2026 is a relevant opportunity to put your achievements forward for recognition. The Brew News Achievement Awards 2026 includes the official category Excellence in Technology, recognising innovators who have made a significant impact through technology and digital innovation. Nominations close on 30 October 2026. What Is the Technology and Innovation Award in UAE 2026? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Yes. Real Estate Award in UAE 2026: Nominations Open. The Real Estate Award in UAE 2026 recognises outstanding property professionals across the GCC. Nominations for The Brew News Achievement Awards close on October 30, 2026, with a fee of AED 250 per category. The real estate sector plays an important role in the UAE’s economy, creating opportunities across property development, brokerage, investment, property management, construction and related services. Behind successful property transactions and projects are professionals who understand the market, build client relationships, manage complex decisions and contribute to the growth of the industry. For professionals who have made a meaningful contribution to this sector, a Real Estate Award in UAE offers an opportunity to put their achievements forward for recognition.
The Brew News Achievement Awards 2026 includes the Outstanding Achievement in Real Estate category, which recognises professionals who have demonstrated excellence and innovation in the real estate sector. Real estate brokers. IIFA 2027 reveals ambitious Abu Dhabi plans. ABU DHABI: Bollywood’s biggest international celebration is preparing for another spectacular UAE chapter, with IIFA 2027 promising fresh performances, surprising celebrity collaborations and an expanded fan experience. In an exclusive interview with The Brew News, IIFA co-founder Andre Timmins revealed why Abu Dhabi was chosen again, which superstars organisers hope to attract and what audiences can expect in January.
Why did IIFA return to Abu Dhabi? Timmins disclosed that organisers initially considered Greece and subsequently Malaysia before changing plans because of international circumstances. Several other destinations, including Cyprus, London and Pakistan, were also discussed. He emphasised that the decision was not driven by budget considerations but by the comfort, hospitality and respect Abu Dhabi offers the Indian film industry. Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and major Bollywood surprises One of the biggest revelations concerned Shah Rukh Khan.
Hollywood expansion planned for 2028. UAE Announces New Sugar and Fat Rules for Packaged Foods. ABU DHABI: The UAE has introduced new sugar and fat limits alongside sodium restrictions for popular packaged foods, aiming to improve nutritional value and help residents make healthier grocery choices. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has begun implementing the nationwide rules, which cover selected foods manufactured locally or imported into the country. The regulations introduce gradual reductions in salt, total sugars and fat, with manufacturers required to meet final targets by December 31, 2030. Which grocery products will have new limits? The rules cover everyday products including bread, sweetened milk drinks, flavoured yoghurt, laban, salty snacks and processed cheese. For leavened bread, the final sodium limit will fall to 370 milligrams per 100 grams.
Total sugars must not exceed 5 grams, while fat must remain within 7 grams. Flatbread will face a lower sodium limit of 320 milligrams per 100 grams, alongside the same final sugar and fat caps. Impact to expect. Dubai Photographer Reaches Comedy Wildlife Awards Final. Dubai has made its mark on one of the world’s most entertaining wildlife photography competitions, with Lynn Emery selected among the finalists for the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards 2026. Her shortlisted photograph, titled “Two Birds One Vision,” captures two little owls standing closely together in the Al Qudra Desert, creating the illusion of a single unusual face. Perfect timing in the Dubai desert The humour in Emery’s photograph comes entirely from timing and perspective. One owl appears focused on the sunset while the other looks directly towards the photographer, with their heads overlapping to produce a striking and amusing visual effect.
Emery is a UAE-based wildlife photographer with previous recognition in international photography competitions, including a runner-up finish in the wildlife category at the Hamdan International Photography Award in 2016. Record-breaking year for the awards No AI or digital manipulation allowed Impact to expect. UAE Business Awards 2026: Nominations Open for Outstanding Businesses. Are you looking for a Business Award in UAE in 2026 to recognise an outstanding entrepreneur, business leader, startup or young professional? The UAE is home to a diverse business community where established companies, SMEs, startups and entrepreneurs continue to contribute to economic growth and new opportunities.
Behind these businesses are people who take risks, build teams, introduce new ideas and turn ambitious plans into successful ventures. The Brew News Achievement Awards 2026 brings these stories into the spotlight through its Business & Entrepreneurship category. The category recognises businesspeople, entrepreneurs, startups and young achievers who have demonstrated notable success in their respective fields. Nominations are open for eligible individuals and organisations in the UAE. What Is the Business Award in UAE in 2026? Rather than focusing on one type of business success, the category covers different stages of the business journey.
Why Business Awards Matter in the UAE 1. UAE VAT rules tighten supplier verification. DUBAI: New UAE VAT rules took effect on October 1, 2026, introducing formal supplier and transaction verification requirements for taxable businesses seeking to recover input VAT. Federal Tax Authority Decision No. 13 of 2026 implements Article 54(bis) of the VAT Law and sets out the checks businesses must perform to demonstrate the validity and integrity of supplies before deducting input tax. Why businesses need to check their suppliers The rules are particularly important where a transaction forms part of a supply chain connected to tax evasion. Article 54(bis) allows input tax recovery to be denied where a taxable person knew, or should reasonably have known, about that connection. Businesses must verify a supplier when dealing with it for the first time.
Checks include confirming the supplier’s identity or legal incorporation, actual place of business and authorised representative where relevant. AED 375,000 triggers enhanced verification What happens to purchases below AED 10,000? First Emirati Raku artist Huda Alrais turned cancer recovery into art - TheBrewNews.com % First Emirati Raku artist Huda Alrais transformed a deeply challenging cancer journey into an extraordinary relationship with clay, fire and Raku art, using creativity to rediscover strength and bring a distinctive ceramic practice to the UAE.
DUBAI: There are moments when Huda Alrais speaks about clay as though she is describing an old friend. Not simply a material or profession, but a companion that entered her life when she needed one most. Huda describes herself as the first Emirati Raku artist, but her journey into this dramatic world of clay, smoke and fire began during one of the most difficult periods of her life. Diagnosed with cancer in 2015, Huda underwent a long course of treatment that included chemotherapy and radiation. The illness and treatment affected her physically and mentally. Her muscles weakened; she struggled to move without support, and she says her memory was also affected.
Then came clay. Ceramics had long been on her childhood “bucket list”. Impact to expect. Haseena Nishad’s sweet prank surprises employees in Sharjah. Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Dies, Dubai Mourns. DUBAI: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the younger brother of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026. He was 76. The Dubai Ruler’s Court announced his passing on Monday morning and declared 10 days of official mourning across the emirate. UAE flags in Dubai will be flown at half-mast throughout the mourning period Sheikh Mohammed pays tribute to his brother Sheikh Mohammed paid an emotional tribute to his younger brother, praying for mercy and remembering him as someone who would remain in the family’s prayers and hearts.
“You are gone from our sight, Ahmed, but never from our prayers or our hearts,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote in his tribute. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, also offered his condolences, highlighting Sheikh Ahmed’s longstanding contributions to the country’s development since its founding. Impact to expect. IIFA 2027 Abu Dhabi reveals star lineup. IIFA 2027 Abu Dhabi will bring Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shahid Kapoor and Janhvi Kapoor to Yas Island in January. ABU DHABI: IIFA 2027 Abu Dhabi has revealed its hosts and performers ahead of the 27th International Indian Film Academy Weekend & Awards, which will take over Etihad Arena on Yas Island on January 22 and 23, 2027. Tickets are now on sale for the two-day celebration of Indian cinema and digital entertainment. The main IIFA Awards will be hosted by Karan Johar and Varun Dhawan, while Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Janhvi Kapoor are confirmed to perform.
The IIFA Digital Awards will have Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal as hosts, with Tripathi making his awards-show hosting debut. The 2027 event marks IIFA’s fourth showcase on Yas Island, continuing its partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral. Salman Khan said his long association with IIFA and connection with Abu Dhabi make his return particularly meaningful.
UAE Hajj 2027 Registration Opens for Emirati Citizens. Mammootty Turns 75: Fans Celebrate His Legendary Cinema Journey. Indian students in Dubai drive university growth. TBN Awards Nomination - TheBrewNews.com. The Brew News Awards to celebrate UAE achievers. The Brew News Achievement Awards 2026: UAE Top Achievers. Meta teen safety settlement brings strict limits. Chinese humanoid robot runs faster than Bolt. Dubai Customs Seizes Over 70 Million Illegal Cigarettes. Explore the Amelia Dubai Menu and Dining Experience. Dubai Event Highlights Strong UAE India Relations. Dubai Teen Inspires Youth Through STEM Education. Air India Captain Drug Test Case Draws Attention. Mirzapur movie trailer reveals bigger Gaddi battle. Abu Dhabi free tourist visa offer explained for Indian travellers. Dubai-it Award nominations open August 10. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye sign landmark joint defence pact. UAE sets new minimum price for vape liquids from September 1.
Georgia Tourism GCC Continues Strong Growth. Qasr Al Watan named among world's best. UAE could get another long weekend in August. Big Ticket August promotion offers AED 15m. UAE Rain and Hail Surprise Masafi in July. Trip-maxxing routes redefine Europe holidays. Trump is challenging the EU over Google's record antitrust penalty. Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns after protests. After Naseeruddin Shah and Sonakshi Sinha, Salman Khan backs NEET protest.
World Menu Heist Sparks Attention in the UAE. Spain Win FIFA World Cup 2026 Championship. Strait of Hormuz attack explained. BookXcess Middle East Africa partnership explained. Why these footballers went viral during the World Cup. Severe Flooding in Bangladesh Triggers Humanitarian Crisis. Dubai RTA Launches AED 2 Billion Latifa Bint Hamdan Corridor Project. Where to Watch the FIFA World Cup in the UAE. Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty debuts in UAE. DEWA shares holiday tips for Dubai residents.
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Rising Temperatures Intensify Europe Heat Crisis. UAE petrol prices due next week. Does your Indian passport prove citizenship? Why did SpaceX loose $600 billion in 3 days? Navi Mumbai Abu Dhabi flights begin July. Daily Prayer Timings in Dubai | The Brew News. Pink Football Boots Shine at FIFA World Cup 2026. Top Birdwatching Spots UAE You Should Visit. FIFA Anti Hate Speech Campaign for World Cup 2026. FIFA World Cup Viewership Records 2026 Revealed. Gold and Forex Rate Today in UAE Updates.